United Nations, Sept 20: The Security Council has unanimously agreed to extend for six months the mandate of the UN mission in Sierra Leone and stressed the importance of continued support to the government in consolidating stability, reintegrating ex-combatants and respecting human rights and the rule of law. The council endorsed a recommendation by Secretary General Kofi Annan to extend the UN Mission in Sierra Leone beginning Sept 30 given the need to continue the gradual drawdown of the peacekeeping force without jeopardizing the security situation in the country torn apart by a decade-long civil war. In adopting the resolution, the 15-member body welcomed the increasing security in Sierra Leone and encouraged "further progress towards strengthening the capacity of the Sierra Leone police and armed forces to maintain security and stability independently". Noting that lasting stability in Sierra Leone will depend on peace in the subregion, especially in Liberia, the council emphasized the importance of cooperation among the regional countries to this end, as well as the need for coordination of UN efforts to contribute to the consolidation of security.

Members expressed strong support for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) towards building peace in the subregion, and encourages the presidents of the Mano river union member states to resume dialogue and to implement their commitments to building regional peace and security. Bureau Report